What are the best products for either removing or filling in swirls?

 

I used to use AutoGlyms Super Resin Polish, I see this is on 2 for 3 at Halfords at the moment.

 

What products have you used? I don't have a polishing machine so all the work will be done by hand.

 

Matthew

I really don't like AGSRP...others do

BUT

Bilt Hamber Autobalm is great at filling swirls and offers great protection too

http://www.bilthamber.com/car-waxes-and-polishes/auto-balm

Apply two coats about 2 hours apart

Ive pmd you Matt

Can I ask why you don't like the AG SRP products?  Is it the application method or the chemicals that are in the product?

I should also add, this is for SWMBO's 10yr old car. I'm not worried for a showroom finish but repairing the majority of the damage that Toyota caused when they washed it during its service

I dont like the white residue that SRP leaves

Personally, and you will get other answers, BHAB is the best product for masking swirls and laying down protection Ive ever used

There are others, like Poorboys Black Hole/White diamond, but they require a wax topper..BH doesnt...but can have

BHAB does look good I have to say - Chirs, do you usually top it off with a LSP? If so, what doe you prefer for Black cars? If not, how do you find the BHAB beading?

SRP has filler within it, and I try to avoid anything with filler in it as it is only temporarily masking the problem.  I prefer to sort the problem (remove the swirls) and then seal in to preserve the finish as long as possible

 

As for swirl removal, ultimately you just need to cut - and how much you cut and using what all comes to down to testing, research, skill, etc.

I use a wax and a QD

However, Bilt Hamber say that their QD is designed to top Autobalm

It is one of the best QD's so I would go with that

I agree too Jason, But the OP hasn't got the facility to remove swirls with a machine..Even by hand its very very hard work and not fully successful

So using a product that masks them, although not perfect, may be his best bet

At the moment, I have a couple of days coming up that I can budget to cleaning up SWMBO's car, it hasn't had any TLC for quite a few years and is looking neglected (very unlike our cars).  The Rav currently looks better dirty as it hides the swirls.

 

I don't want to spend much money on it as money is very tight at the moment, in my opinion it does need a complete paint correction but for now a temporary solution will suffice.

 

Chris, The Bilt Hamber Autobalm that you've recommended, whats the application process like compared to the AGSRP?

Bilt Hamber is applied thinly just like a wax..Leave for a few minutes and then lightly mist/sprtitz with water and buff off with MF cloth

This Wet method works best ...lots of experimentation

Wait a couple of hours and reapply...You will find a wet looking smooth finish that will \last a 6 months or more

Refresh with a QD on a regular basis

Thanks Chris, I'll give the Bilt Hamber a go next week. Do you have any recommendations of places to buy from?

 

I have a 5L bottle of Meguirs Quick Detailer, wonder if it has a use by date

I wash and clay then use the AG ultra deep shine for dark cars then AG HD wax no more swirls

Bilt Hamber is applied thinly just like a wax..Leave for a few minutes and then lightly mist/sprtitz with water and buff off with MF cloth

This Wet method works best ...lots of experimentation

Wait a couple of hours and reapply...You will find a wet looking smooth finish that will \last a 6 months or more

Refresh with a QD on a regular basis

 

How do you apply the BH QD, I have tried direct to car and onto the MF cloth but it always smears/streaks. I am using it neat on a dry car in cool conditions

I missed the by hand reference. :(  It's amazing what you can do by machine once you've mastered it.   By hand I might be tempted with a cover-up option, but it's not how I personally roll.

 

Me neither, but when needs must.......